Training & Nutrition - Mag Trainer Questions

Howdy,

I just purchased a new mag trainer - nothing fancy - just the basic Ascent trainer with three levels of adjustable resistance. I have also ordered a training DVD from CTS. While I wait for that to arrive, I was hoping some of yall could pass along some of the routines that your doing on your trainers in the winter.

I know alot of the training programs I have seen online reference different gearing combos at different parts of the workout. For reference, my bike is geared with a 9 speed 12-25 rear cassette.

If it helps narrow down the responses, I am looking for some workouts that will help me improve my steady- state power, endurance and, of course, speed.

Next question:
With the resistance level on the trainer set at the highest (hardest) setting, and with the bike in the big ring in the front and small ring in the back, I cannot seem to generate enough resistance to effectively stand up out of the saddle without my pedaling becoming unstable. Is this a function of all trainers or just the crappy one I bought?

What CTS video did you get?

If I'm in the big ring/small gear combo on my CycleOps Fluid 2, I can comfortably stand and pedal.....if I'm really wiped out after a tough interval session, I'll go to the second smallest cog. Sounds like you could use a bit more resistance :).

When I was first looking at trainers, I was looking at something cheap that would get me by. My buddy then showed me the CycleOps Fluid 2, and I told myself there was no way in hell I was gonna pay $220 (on sale) for a trainer. But, after some thought and debate, I ended up buying it, and don't regret it in the least. You get what you pay for.

I bought the CTS Time Trial DVD. I forget the exact name. I havent gotten it yet. I'll let you know what I think of it when I get it.

I thought about buying a Fluid Trainer - I had read about the benefits the fluid trainers provide versus the mag trainers. But, I take a spin class at my gym 2-3 times a week, so I would only be using the mag trainer on days I couldnt get to the gym - probably 1-2 times a week, if that. I couldnt justify spending $250 for something I may or may not get alot of use out of.

Dont get me wrong - riding the mag trainer seated is hard as hell - its just that standing feels odd. Even the crappy spin bikes at my gym, with the resistance dialed near to the max, mimic the effects of a road bike when climbing out of the saddle.

I was more curious to see if anyone else had the same problem, and if anyone had any good stationary trainer workouts they could share. Riding the thing is godawful boring.

I wish my (mag) trainer could produce more resistance. Sure it is great for steady state stuff, but try 1min intervals (or worse cp12s) with it and it's useless. Really I wish it could break me in less than a few minutes.

I find trainer sessions go by best if you are really suffering, so you can't think about how boring it can be. :) Getting in LSD is out of the question. Tempo, Intervals and high cadence drills only for me.

I tried with bad results to do a graded power test to establish my CP's and it was very difficult to do on the bike. Besides, I dont have a powertap.

Spin classes are ok I guess for non-cyclists, but if it were me (and obviously, you're not me :D), I would've spent the extra money on the Fluid 2 and a few more CTS DVDs, drop the spin classes and make my own "spin classes" in my basement.

Wait 'till the third 5 minute interval on the Time Trial DVD. You're gonna be about ready to heave a lung if you're doing them right.

I tried with bad results to do a graded power test to establish my CP's and it was very difficult to do on the bike. Besides, I dont have a powertap.

Do you have a heart rate monitor?

Yes.

Can anyone recommend the best site to buy the cyclops 2 fluid trainer?